Topic Contents

Complications of Paget's Disease

Topic Overview

Osteoarthritis. Paget's disease can
damage the bone around a joint. This can cause the
cartilage in the joint to weaken and break down, which
leads to arthritis. Many people feel bone or joint pain before they are diagnosed
with Paget's disease and osteoarthritis.

Broken bones
(fractures). After a bone is weakened by Paget's
disease, it can break easily. Even minor injuries can cause a complete break in
a bone affected by Paget's disease.

Fractures are most common in long bones or
bones that hold up the weight of the body, such as the thighbone (femur),
the forearm, or the back (spine). Broken long bones can be very serious and can
lead to severe bleeding. Small breaks may cause pain that is made worse when
you walk or you lift objects.

Paget's disease may cause abnormal
healing of a broken bone.

Nervous system problems. Paget's
disease can affect bone growth in the skull or spine, causing pressure on a
nerve. Also, Paget's disease can damage the tiny bones in the ear,
leading to
hearing loss. Paget's disease can cause nerve problems
such as:

Heart failure. Bone tissue contains many blood
vessels. Paget's disease causes increased blood flow to the bones, and
sometimes it is difficult for the heart to keep up with the demand for
increased blood flow. This can lead to heart failure.

Bone cancer
(osteogenic sarcoma). This is a rare but serious complication of Paget's
disease. Severe bone pain and swelling of tissue
around the bone are the most common symptoms of bone cancer.

People with Paget's disease often develop
kidney stones and/or calcium deposits in blood vessels
and heart valves. These problems are caused by increased calcium in the body
from the faster-than-normal breakdown of bone tissue.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.